Method for creating a two-dimensional representation of a three-dimensional uniform

ABSTRACT

A plurality of methods for creating a substantially two-dimensional representation of a three-dimensional uniform having a front, back, top, and sides, are disclosed. In the first method, the arms are removed from the uniform. Most of the back of the uniform and at least some of the sides of the uniform are removed. The top and remaining back of the uniform are rolled into substantially the same plane as the front of the uniform to create a substantially two-dimensional uniform. In the second method, the two-dimensional representation is created from scratch. A fabric garment piece is created, wherein the fabric garment piece comprises at least a portion of the uniform front, a portion of the uniform back and at least a portion of the uniform top. The top and the portion of the back are rolled into substantially the same plane as the front of the uniform to create a substantially two-dimensional uniform.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally related to creating a uniform. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for creating a two-dimensional representation of a three-dimensional uniform for display purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various professions require their personnel to wear a uniform. For example, professions such as; military, police, fireman, park service, etc. require their personnel to wear uniforms. The uniforms are comprised of at least jackets, coats, vests and/or shirts. Typically, these uniforms are adorned with a plurality of uniform decorations, such as rank, insignia, medals, awards, badges, patches, unit crests, name plates, etc. The awards are typically given in recognition for service in the field.

People are justifiably proud of their uniforms and awards and want to display them for other people to see. One known method of display is to buy a large shadow box and hang the uniform in the shadow box. The shadow box can then be mounted to a wall. Typically, the uniform hangs from a hangar which is attached to the shadow box in some manner. There are, however, several problems with displaying the jacket inside the shadow box. First, the shadow box will have to be quite large and will take up a large amount of wall space. In addition, when the uniform is hanging in the shadow box, any uniform decorations which are attached to the shoulder epaulets or sleeves of the uniform may be hard to see since the shoulder epaulets generally face toward the top of the shadow box and the sleeves face toward the sides of the shadow box. This is a particular problem for military personnel since various uniform decorations must be displayed in mandated positions on the shoulder epaulets and sleeves.

Thus, there is a need for creating a substantially two-dimensional representation of a three-dimensional uniform which can be placed in a shadow box or other display device so that uniform decorations can be attached in their proper position as they would appear on a real uniform while easily being visible.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore a feature and advantage of the present invention to provide a method for creating a substantially two-dimensional representation of a three-dimensional uniform which can be placed in a shadow box or other display device so that uniform decorations can be attached in their proper position which is easily visible. The two dimensional representation may be created by cutting up an actual uniform or made from scratch using fabric and other materials.

According to one embodiment of the invention, a method for creating a substantially two-dimensional representation of a three-dimensional uniform having a front, back, top, and sides, is disclosed. First, the arms are removed from the uniform. Most of the back of the uniform and at least some of the sides of the uniform are removed. The top and remaining back of the uniform are rolled into substantially the same plane as the front of the uniform to create a substantially two-dimensional uniform.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a method for creating a substantially two-dimensional representation of a three-dimensional uniform, the three-dimensional uniform having a front, back, top and sides, is disclosed. A fabric garment piece is created, wherein said fabric garment piece comprises at least a portion of the uniform front, a portion of the uniform back and at least a portion of the uniform top. The top and said portion of the back are rolled into substantially the same plane as the front of the uniform to create a substantially two-dimensional uniform.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described below and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein, as well as the abstract, are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIGS. 1( a)-1(c) illustrate how the substantially two-dimensional uniform is created from a three-dimensional uniform according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a uniform display case according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates how a substantially two-dimensional uniform is created according to one embodiment of the invention;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a method for creating a substantially two-dimensional representation of a three-dimensional uniform which can be placed in a shadow box or some other display device for the purpose of displaying uniform decorations. In the present invention, uniform decorations comprise, rank, insignia, medals, awards, badges, patches, unit crests, name plates, belts, etc. and the invention is not limited thereto.

The substantially two-dimensional representation of a uniform can represent any variety of uniform, for example, military uniforms (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, etc.) both domestic and foreign, para-military uniforms, National Guard uniforms, police uniforms, fireman uniforms, park service uniforms, school uniforms, uniforms for service organizations and fraternal organizations, civil servants, security, airlines, etc., or any other organization that uses a uniform shirt, jacket, coat and/or vest as a platform for displaying additional decorations, badges, medals and/or awards, and the invention is not limited thereto. In addition, the uniform may be a representation of a uniform no longer in production or in active use or uniforms used in the future. Finally, the uniform may be a representation of a uniform used in a fictitious production such as a movie, book, etc.

The simulated uniform may be a portion of a jacket, coat, shirt, vest or any combination thereof. In addition, the uniform may be any color, but the typical colors are varying shades of green, brown, blue, black, white, red, etc. The uniform may be made out of a wide range of materials, for example, wool, cotton, polyester, etc., or any combination thereof.

The simulated uniform may comprise any combination of elements described below and the invention is not limited thereto. The uniform body may include decorative stitching, embroidery, additional padding, loops and mechanisms for attaching other decorations. The uniform may also comprise any number of buttons. The buttons may vary in size and color and may be comprised of metal, plastic, wood, composite, etc., or any combination thereof. The uniform may also comprise any number of pockets. The pockets may be with or without pleats, may be simulated or actual pockets, with or without buttons, and with or without additional decorations or embroidering. The uniform may also have epaulets of various size which are with or without buttons, loop and/or additional decorations or embroidering. The epaulets may comprise a decorative shoulder board attached to the epaulet that hangs over the shoulder. The sleeves of the uniform may comprise additional stitching, fabric decorations, embroidery, stripes, buttons, pockets, etc.

The simulated uniform may have a lapel which varies in size and style and may include button holes, other attachment mechanisms and/or additional decorative stitching or embroidery. The uniform may comprise a simulated or actual belt of varying size and composition (typically leather or fabric), and with or without a decorative buckling mechanism. The uniform may include a shoulder strap varying in size and compositions (typically leather or fabric). The shoulder strap may be displayed diagonally from one shoulder to the waist and may be attached to an accompanying belt. In addition, the uniform may include fabric loops to support belts, shoulder straps and/or epaulets.

FIGS. 1( a)-1(c) illustrate how an actual three-dimensional uniform is transformed into a substantially dimensional uniform. As illustrated in FIG. 1( a), the uniform 102 has a front 104, a back, 106, a top 108, epaulets 114, sides 110, and sleeves 112. As illustrated in FIG. 1( b), the sleeves 112 and the sides 110 are removed from the uniform 102. In addition, most of the back 106 except for a top section of the back 106 is removed and a lower section of the front 104 is also removed. For example, the upper ½ to ¾ of the front of the uniform 102 may remain but the invention is not limited thereto. Finally, the remaining section of the back and top are rolled forward so that they are in substantially the same plane as the front of the uniform 120 as illustrated in FIG. 1( c). In the illustrative example of a uniform illustrated in FIG. 1( a), shoulder epaulets 114 are located on the top 108 of the uniform 102. Once the remaining back and top of the uniform has been rolled forward, the epaulets 114 now appear to be on the front of the uniform 120 as illustrated in FIG. 1( c). The portion of the uniform 120 is then mounted flat to a backing material using tape, glue, Velcro or any other means for attachment.

Once the uniform 120 has been mounted on the backing 104, sleeves 122 are then attached over the uniform 120 so as to simulate the sleeve in a two dimensional plane. The sleeves 122 may be attached using, for example, Velcro, tape, thread, pins and/or glue. The sleeves 122 may contain sleeve fillers 124 which are shaped to give the arm-sleeves 122 some shape and extra dimension. The thickness of the sleeve fillers 124 and the type of materials used can vary and the invention is not limited thereto. Furthermore, a collar insert 126 may be inserted into the collar area of the uniform 120 so as to hide the backing from view. The collar insert may be constructed of various fabrics in various colors.

FIG. 2 illustrates a finished uniform display case with the substantially two-dimensional uniform 120. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the uniform 120 and the backing are mounted in a frame 130. The frame 130 has a transparent or semitransparent viewing pane 132 through which the uniform 120 is visible.

FIG. 3 illustrates how a substantially two dimensional uniform 200 is created from scratch using fabric and other materials. First, two sections of fabric or material are cut to create a right section 201 and a left section 202 of the uniform 200. The right and left sections are the base of the uniform to which the other elements of the uniform are attached. The right and left sections represent at least portions of a three dimensional jackets' front, top and back. The height and width of the right and left sections depends on the desired size of the uniform 200 and the invention is not limited thereto.

In this illustrative example, the uniform comprises a plurality of elements, lapels 203, buttons 204, pockets 205, sleeves 206, sleeve fillers 207, epaulets 208, decorative fabric attachments 209, strips 210, a belt 211, and buttons 212, but the invention is not limited thereto. The lapels 203 are attached to or created from the right and left sections 201, 202 to form a collar area for the uniform 200. As mentioned above, the lapels 203 and all of the elements of the uniform may vary in size and style. The left section 202 overlaps the right section 201 so that buttons 204 can be added to the uniform 200. The buttons 204 can be attached to the left section 202 or attached to the first section 201 through button holes (not illustrated) in the left section 202. Simulated or actual pockets 205 may then be attached to one or both of the right and left sections and buttons 212 may also be attached to the pockets 205.

Simulated sleeves 206 are then attached along a side of each right and left sections 201, 202. The sleeves 206 may be attached using, for example, Velcro, tape, thread, pins and/or glue. The sleeves 206 may contain sleeve fillers 207 which are shaped to give the sleeves 206 some shape and extra dimension. The thickness of the sleeve fillers 207 and the type of materials used can vary and the invention is not limited thereto. Optionally, a decorative fabric attachment 209 of any style, color, and/or design and strips 210 in any direction and color may be attached to the sleeves 206. Epaulets 208 are each attached to a sleeve 206 and to the lapels 203 or under each lapel 203. The epaulets 208 are located in such a position to simulate that a top and a portion of the back of a three dimensional uniform have been rolled into the same plane as the front of the uniform. In addition, a simulated or real belt 211 is then attached to the uniform 200 towards the bottom of the right and left sections. It will be understood that all of the elements of the uniform 200 may be attached to the uniform 200 using, for example, thread, Velcro, tape, pins, and/or glue and the invention is not limited thereto. Furthermore, it will be understood that the elements of the uniform may be attached in any order. Once the uniform 200 has been completed, the uniform 200 may be mounted in a frame as illustrated in FIG. 2.

The many features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the detailed specification, and thus, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of the invention which fall within the true spirits and scope of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and variations will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation illustrated and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. 

1. A method for creating a substantially two-dimensional representation of a three-dimensional uniform having a front, back, top, and sides, comprising the steps of: removing arms from the uniform; removing most of the back of the uniform; removing at least some of the sides of the uniform; rolling top and remaining back of the uniform into substantially the same plane as the front of the uniform to create a substantially two-dimensional uniform.
 2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of: adding a sleeve section to each side of the substantially two-dimensional uniform.
 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the sleeve sections contain a filler material.
 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein said uniform comprises at least one of: a jacket, coat, shirt and vest.
 5. The method according to claim 2, wherein said substantially two-dimensional uniform and sleeve section are attached to a flat board.
 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein said top of the substantially two-dimensional uniform comprise shoulder epaulets.
 7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of: removing a lower portion of the front of the uniform.
 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein said at least a portion of the uniform front comprises at least one button.
 9. The method according to claim 1, wherein said at least a portion of the uniform front comprises at least one pocket.
 10. The method according to claim 1, wherein said at least a portion of the uniform front comprises at least a portion of a collar.
 11. A method for creating a substantially two-dimensional representation of a three-dimensional uniform, the three-dimensional uniform having a front, back, top and sides, comprising the steps of: creating a fabric garment piece, wherein said fabric garment piece is constructed to resemble at least a portion of an actual uniform, and comprises at least a portion of the uniform front, a portion of the uniform back and at least a portion of the uniform top; rolling top and said portion of the back into substantially the same plane as the front of the uniform to create a substantially two-dimensional uniform.
 12. The method according to claim 11, further comprising the step of: adding a sleeve section to each side of the substantially two-dimensional uniform.
 13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the sleeve sections contain a filler material.
 14. The method according to claim 11, wherein said uniform comprises at least one of: a jacket, coat, shirt and vest.
 15. The method according to claim 12, wherein said substantially two-dimensional uniform and sleeve section are attached to a flat board.
 16. The method according to claim 1, wherein said top of the substantially two-dimensional uniform comprise shoulder epaulets.
 17. The method according to claim 11, wherein said at least a portion of the uniform front comprises at least one button.
 18. The method according to claim 11, wherein said at least a portion of the uniform front comprises at least one pocket.
 19. The method according to claim 11, wherein said at least a portion of the uniform front comprises at least a portion of a collar. 